Maine Franco-American Genealogical Society

11/02/2025

Did you know this is an option?

The 5 major Maine newspapers are available at no cost to you through Digital Maine Library! Read the newspapers daily (with a 1-day lag) or search for articles going back years, all without a paywall. The articles are the complete text, though they come without photos. Free online to Maine residents anywhere, anytime. https://digitalmainelibrary.org/

10/30/2025

Do you have ancestors from Montreal?
If yes, you may be interested in this.

Conférence des Rendez-vous de la FQSG : Venez à la rencontre de femmes d’exception, certaines très connues, d’autres moins, et du rôle important qu’elles ont joué dans la fondation, la survie et le rayonnement de la colonie de Ville-Marie.

10/30/2025

Not Franco-American, but a fun resource to check out around Halloween 🎃

10/27/2025

What a great gift for these libraries to receive!

Carnegie Libraries across the United States will each receive a $10,000 gift to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence through a special initiative by Carnegie Corporation of New York.

The libraries can use the funds—which are set to be delivered in January 2026—however they wish to celebrate the 250th, further their mission, and benefit their community.

Learn more at https://bit.ly/3WVyaI2

10/27/2025

Check this out!

Thanks to our vigilant friends in the 3rd Maine Infantry (thirdmaine.org), this Civil War muster roll of the 3rd Maine Light Artillery Battery has found its way home to the Archives. Muster rolls are a gold mine of information – names of soldiers, where they were from, pay, bounties received, dates of service, etc. Mustered in Augusta in 1861, this battery served for the duration of the war, notably at 2nd Manassas, the defense of Washington DC, and the Petersburg campaign. Somehow, they got through the war with only 17 casualties!

10/27/2025

This sounds interesting. Thanks for sharing Québec Genealogical eSociety

10/25/2025

Interesting bit of history. Thanks for sharing Musée de la Neufve-France .

LE 25 OCTOBRE 1802, naissance de Jos Montferrand, homme fort du Québec. Dans le quartier Saint-Laurent où naquit Jos Montferrand, à Montréal en 1802, on trouvait beaucoup de gymnases et de tavernes ; tous les hommes forts de passage à Montréal s'y rendaient. La boxe était très à la mode. Un jour, deux boxeurs anglais se battaient sur le Champ-de-Mars. Le vainqueur fut proclamé champion du Canada.
Aussitôt les organisateurs lancèrent un défi à la foule :
- Qui veut disputer le titre au champion du Canada ? Qu'il s'avance !
Jos Montferrand, qui n'avait que 16 ans et était déjà un colosse, s'élança dans le cercle et chanta :
- Co-co-ri-co !
C'est ainsi qu'il fit savoir qu'il relevait le défi. Ce qui le motivait plus que tout c'était de prouver qu'un Canayen (on dirait aujourd'hui Québécois) était meilleur qu'un Anglais. Les gens du quartier ont battu des mains quand il se mit en place ; et ils ne furent pas déçus. Jos Montferrand ne porta qu'un seul coup de poing mais si bien appliqué qu'il battit l'Anglais. Le lendemain son nom était sur toutes les lèvres.
Ainsi commença la renommée de Jos Montferrand. Il se battit maintes et maintes fois dans des combats singuliers et gagna.

10/25/2025

Too bad this doesn't list an option to attend virtually. Town of Van Buren will you post a video after for those that can't attend?

🌟 FREE CLASS – Discover the History of the Acadians! 🌟

YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER- Details below!!

Have you ever wanted to learn more about the Acadian people, their incredible journey, and the enduring culture that defines our region? Here’s your chance!

📖 The History of Acadians and Culture
🗓️ Starts Monday, October 20, 2025
🕠 6:30 – 8:00 PM
📍 CONNECT CENTER | 51 Main Street, Van Buren
👨‍🏫 Instructor: Don Cyr, well-known local historian and curator of the Musée culturel du Mont-Carmel in Grand Isle.

This FREE 8-week course is open to everyone — whether you’re reconnecting with your roots, exploring local history, or simply curious about Acadian life and legacy. Don’s engaging storytelling and deep knowledge make this an experience you won’t want to miss!

Join us as we celebrate the resilience, traditions, and vibrant spirit of the Acadian people.

PRE-REGISTER by calling Mindy at the Town Office- 207-868-2886.

10/16/2025

If you have done Ancestry DNA, your results should be updated!

10/12/2025

This sounds interesting!

Struggling with Library and Archives Canada’s new website? Don’t miss the Québec Genealogical eSociety’s upcoming FREE webinar “Navigating the New Library and Archives Canada Website” by Ken McKinlay on Thursday,16 October 2025 at 7 PM Eastern Time. Click here to register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/326744515842231639
In recent years, Library and Archives Canada (LAC) has introduced significant changes to its website, which has left some long-time users facing challenges. This talk will guide you through the new site, highlighting key collections for researching those who arrived or settled in Quebec. We'll explore the updated census search system, naturalization and immigration records, and passenger lists from the ports of Quebec City and Montreal. Whether you're a seasoned researcher or just beginning your genealogy journey, this session will help you make the most of LAC’s evolving resources.